The University of Hawaii volleyball program is celebrating a major milestone as two of its stars earn top national honors—just in time for the biggest weekend of the season.
Junior outside hitter Louis Sakanoko has been named to the AVCA All-America first team for the first time in his career. The 6-foot-5 standout has delivered his finest season yet, ranking third in the Big West with 343 total kills while hitting an impressive .351—the only player in the conference's top five in kills to hit over .300.
Joining him on the first team is junior setter Tread Rosenthal, a repeat selection who is also a finalist for the AVCA Men's Collegiate Player of the Year award. Rosenthal ranks second nationally in assists per set (10.75) and has orchestrated a Hawaii offense that leads the country with a .366 hitting percentage. His consistency has been remarkable—he's earned All-Big West first team honors all three seasons at UH and was named the conference's Setter of the Week 11 times this year.
For Sakanoko, the recognition is sweet, but his focus remains on the bigger prize. "It feels good for sure," he said. "But at the same time, it's the moment of the year where we're more focused on what we're going to do Saturday."
That Saturday showdown is a blockbuster: No. 2 seed Hawaii (28-5) faces rival Long Beach State in the NCAA national semifinal at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. The winner advances to Monday's championship against either Ball State or UC Irvine.
The Rainbow Warriors had five players honored by the AVCA. Sophomore outside hitter Adrien Roure earned second-team honors after making the first team last year. He ranks eighth in the Big West in kills per set (2.91) and fourth in aces (43). Junior libero Quintin Greenidge and sophomore middle blocker Justin Todd received honorable mention. Greenidge leads the Big West with 2.07 digs per set, while Todd has started 30 matches this season.
As Sakanoko put it, individual awards are meaningful—but winning on the biggest stage is what truly matters. "If we lose Saturday, it will not mean anything to anyone."